§ 43. Mr. LOUGHasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether the Food Controller is now satisfied that the low prices for British beef fixed by him in the summer and autumn to take effect during the month of January, followed by his orders to kill immature beef and the introduction of an unworkable system of grading cattle, entirely accounts for the meat famine now prevailing; and whether he will take immediate steps to abolish these various restrictions, to relieve the difficulties, and to encourage producers again to place a sufficient supply for the wants of the people upon the market?
Mr. PARKERThe Food Controller is taking all possible steps to alleviate the present shortage of meat, which does not appear to be due to any of the reasons suggested by the right hon. Gentleman.
§ 57. Mr. RENDALLasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food if he will state what the daily meat ration of a member of the Home Forces is; whether many of them have expressed a desire that this should be decreased by at least 2 ozs. Daily and other less scarce foods, such as vegetables, substituted; whether this wish arises from the soldiers' desire that their fathers, mothers, wives and children shall have a fair chance of getting meat; whether the reduction of 2 ozs. daily from the ration of 2,000,000 Home Forces would result in a saving of 1,750,000 lbs. of meat weekly; and, if so, whether he will consider -whether along these lines the present meat shortage might be materially reduced?
§ The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the WAR OFFICE (Mr. Forster)The daily meat ration at home is 12 ozs. The question of reduction is under consideration, as I stated in reply to a question yesterday. My hon. Friend's arithmetic is correct, but he has based his calculation upon wrong figures.
§ Mr. RENDALLWill the hon. Gentleman kindly supply me with the figures to enable me to make the right calculation?
§ Mr. FORSTERNo; I do not think it desirable to give the total number of the Home forces.